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There are less than a handful of 2014 sessions that I need to finish up blogging...it's because they are so special and I want the right words to adequately support the images that "tell the story"...

This family has been special to me for a VERY long time...

let me give you a "brief" back story!!!

I met Molly's husband as a sophomore at Cedarville College (now University..cuz I'm really that old) He was the van driver that took me to the church I chose to attend that year over in Hilliard. It was a haul from the campus, but I loved it and would do his rounds to pick up all the students each Sunday morning and then bring us back after service or after lunch...I don't believe he and Molly were even dating at that time...however Molly was the Australia team that my roommate was on that year...there was another connection...

Kara was in my dorm hall my sophomore year (and I think Junior year too)...I remember seeing her in the hallway talking on the phone to her future hubby...a big ole basketball star!!! She was also in my elementary education classes...so we passed each other often...I always admired her confidence and gracious nature about her...

It's funny however, because Christy became the one that I connected the most with and I didn't even know her in college...I actually knew her husband, Steve...who happened to be the best friend of a guy that I considered my big brother (and we fought as such, but that's another story)

Their "little" brother has a connection through my sister-in-law, who taught him back in the day...

Soooo...I can imagine that you've determined that there are LOTS of connections at this point...so when they have big family gatherings and they welcome me into the fold...well, I just feel like an extended part of the family...I get hugged and joked with and still picked on by Steve!!

This "party" was a surprise for their Dad...

I appreciate their desire to pass on a legacy for their children...

Yes, it's about celebrating and laughing and having fun...being together...

But, it's also about recognizing the character qualities in their patriarchs and wanting the grandchildren to SEE that value...

I loved that at the end of the party, Grandpa sat them all down to bestow on them a few words of wisdom...there wasn't wiggling or whining or complaining...there is a respect and awe for this man that has shaped and guided this family through the years...